Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because like most teachers I had a few educators change my life. I grew up economically disdvantaged and didn't have parental support due to addiction. Teachers helped me see that didn't define me. I could and did dream bigger.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

The majority of my memorable moments have come from traveling. In 2012 I took a small group on an Ecotourism trip to Costa Rica. When the kids got free time I assumed they would seek out WiFi to get in touch with family. They came to my room and asked me to explore the jungle with them. I've never been so excited to join my students in an activity in my life. It was so special because it was new to all of us and they trusted me to have that experience with them.

What would you do with the $25,000?

In 2026, I will have reached 5 of 7 continents. I would like to use part of the money to fund a trip to Antarctica and use what's left to fund some student travel scholarships at my school.